METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES IN THE DIGITAL MAPPING OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

The study addresses the use of the geographic information system (GIS) combined with distance probing (DP) for generating archaeological maps. The principal problem was resolved and the digital technology for mapping archaeological sites was elaborated and tested. Layered digital maps for Yustyd, Ulandryk I and II, and Sary-Gabo sites in the Altai were constructed. Digital terrain models were used for analyzing the settlement patterns of these sites and the spatial organization of the economy, and for reconstructing these systems. A digital mapping framework was prepared including the cartographic database and the identifi cation characteristics of the sites. The usefulness of DP for solving archaeological problems is demonstrated. Algorithms of automatically decoding multispectral images for identifying, recording, and describing archaeological objects were elaborated. The results of mapping (topographic and satellite scanning) are represented in the common GIS formats – MapInfo Pro and ArcView.